“You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). While it can be clear whether someone has murdered or stolen that which is not theirs, the prohibition against covetousness is harder to observe. We must guard our hearts against desiring that which is others’, for the failure to do so can cause us to act in ways unbecoming for the follower of Christ. As his children, we trust that he provides, and we should not covet that which he has given others.
“You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). For the Israelites to function as a society, the rights to ownership over one’s possessions was paramount. This, however, was not simply to be demonstrated by refraining from stealing what was not theirs, but also to care for those in and outside the community by treating them fairly. While most today recognize “theft” as wrong, there are many areas in which we can be tempted to cut corners, and we must seek to be people of integrity in all that we do.
The Seventh, Exodus 20:14
February 20, 2022 • Josh Lindstrom • Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). In ancient Israel the marriage bond was to be held in high regard and they were prohibited from committing adultery. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus takes it a step beyond mere physical activity and includes the very thoughts of our minds that need to be taken captive. In an age with rampant pornography and the use of sex to sell all manner of products, we need to be ever diligent to keep our thoughts pure.
The Sixth, Exodus 20:13
February 13, 2022 • Josh Lindstrom • Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Every human being bears the image of their creator and, consequently, their life matters. This means that we need uphold the dignity of every life: from the unborn to the aged and all in-between. Jesus tells us that to uphold this command we are not to think just of our actions but to consider as well the disposition of our hearts towards others (Matthew 5:21-24).
The Fifth, Exodus 20:12
February 6, 2022 • Josh Lindstrom • Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). The Israelites were called to “honor” their parents and, interestingly, this is the only commandment with a promise attached to it. While our relationship with our parents will naturally change over time, we are always called to treat them with respect and consider their needs. The challenge today is to live this out before others, recognizing that not every parent has always acted honorably.
The Fourth, Exodus 20:8-11
January 30, 2022 • Josh Lindstrom • Exodus 20:8–11
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The Israelites were commanded to keep the Sabbath separate. The Lord himself patterned this in creation and we too are to demonstrate our belief that we belong to him and that, ultimately, he is our provider. In our culture that is always “on the go” it can be very difficult to slow down and acknowledge that our future is not bound up in our work but in the hands of him who continues to provide for our every need.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image” (Exodus 20:4). The Israelites were commanded not to create and/or worship any image, for God is a jealous God. The warning against doing so is that God will visit the iniquities of fathers and mothers on their future children and grandchildren. At the time, we may not realize how the idols we hold will impact others, but God is clear that the life we live matters as we seek to raise up future followers of Christ.
The First, Exodus 20:1-3
January 9, 2022 • Josh Lindstrom • Exodus 20:1–3
“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Contrary to some of the polytheistic faiths of the nations around them, the Israelites were called to worship God and God alone. Though we live in a culture of diverse beliefs, we too must declare our absolute allegiance to God through Christ, for there is only one name under heaven by which we can be saved.
